Update June 20, 2013-Murdered man found in the Spyrock Road area (Mendocino County, Calif) near Burns Creek, has been identified as 23 year-old Hugo Olea Lopez from Upper Lake, Lake County, Calif.

Update June 18, 2013- New details in the Spyrock Road homicide:

According to an updated press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, Officers were originally alerted to a suspected homicide at a remote location on Spyrock Road in Laytonville, California by an anonymous caller who said that their relative, the victim, had been murdered. Upon investigation officers found a deceased Hispanic adult male with an apparent gunshot wound.

At the scene Sheriff's Detectives found 300 budding marijuana plants that had apparently been growing in an outdoor setting as well as inside of at least two temporary greenhouse structures.The plants had been recently cut as if to be harvested. Detective investigations indicated the victim had been camping at the location while tending to the growing marijuana plants. The victim was found in his camp close to the cut marijuana plants.

A forensic autopsy has been scheduled for June 19. The victim has not yet been positively identified.

The original post in this story appears below.

As reported on the KMUD Local News for Mon., June 17, 2013, a deceased person found on a Spyrock Road property in northern Mendocino County is the victim of a suspected homicide. KMUD News reported that as of news time there had been no arrests or known suspects identified in the case, and that according to local residents Sheriff's Deputies left the crime scene with budded marijuana in their vehicle. At this time evidence in this case is limited.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Sheriff's Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.

Check back to this post to track updates in this case.

Mendocino County Sheriff's Office press release, dated June 17, 2013:On 06-17-2013 at 0748 hours the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office was contacted by a person who had received second hand information of a possible homicide at a remote location on Spyrock Road in Laytonville, California.

Based upon the reported information personnel from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol and California Department of Fish & Wildlife responded to the location.

On 06-17-2013 at approximately 1115 hours law enforcement personnel arrived at the location and found one deceased person. Sheriff's Detectives have responded to the location and have begun an investigation into the circumstances of the person's death. Additional information will be disseminated by press release as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.

A three-year long multiagency suspected criminal marijuana investigation last week led to the arrest, of two Humboldt County residents with other arrests expected to follow. Indictments originating from the Federal District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah for "engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana" were issued for several Humboldt County residents.

The first suspect arrested in this on-going intrastate case was Michael Stallings, age 63 (shown in the photo above). Stallings was arrested at his residence located off Friday Ridge Road, Willow Creek. During the arrest officers noticed an outdoor marijuana growing operation and seized over 600 growing marijuana plants, one pound of processed marijuana, two rifles and a shotgun.

A second suspect in the case, John Paul Diller, age 32, was subsequently arrested at his residence in the 1600 block of Children’s Avenue, McKinleyville. In that arrest Officers netted 10 individual, one pound bags of processed marijuana and also seized 4 pistols, 2 rifles, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, a vehicle and $7,900 dollars in cash. Subsequently, over 800 growing marijuana plants were found in storage units allegedly rented by Diller, off Airport Road, Fortuna. Also, two motorcycles, a Polaris- Ranger ATV and a utility trailer, located on a property owned by Diller in Freshwater, were seized for possible asset forfeiture. More arrests in this case are expected.

The full Humboldt County Press release appears below.

On 06-11-2013 and 6-12-2013 the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service, United States Marshal Office assisted the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force out of Salt Lake City, Utah regarding a 3 year long marijuana investigation in Humboldt County that was linked to Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration issued indictments for several Humboldt County residents out of the Federal District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Federal and state search warrants were served in Utah during the course of this investigation.

On 06-11-2013 at about 1000 hours, local law enforcement and federal law enforcement officers located and arrested one suspect for the federal indictment out of Utah named Michael Stallings age 63 at his residence located off Friday Ridge Road, Willow Creek. While at Stallings residence, officers noticed an outdoor marijuana growing operation.

Officers obtained a Humboldt County search warrant for the property. Officers then seized over 600 growing marijuana plants that ranged in size from 2 feet to 3 feet. Officers seized one pound of processed marijuana, two rifles and one shotgun. Stallings was transported to the federal courthouse in Eureka to be arraigned on his federal arrest warrant out of the State of Utah. A local arrest warrant will be sought through the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for Stallings for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana.

On 06-12-2013 at about 0900 hours, local and federal law enforcement officers served a search warrant at John Paul Diller’s, age 32, residence located in the 1600 block of Children’s Avenue, McKinleyville. Diller was taken into custody on a federal arrest warrant out of the State of Utah. Diller was transported to the Federal Courthouse in Eureka to be arraigned on his Federal arrest warrant out of the State of Utah. When Officers searched Diller’s residence they located and seized 10 individual, one pound bags of processed marijuana. Officers also seized 4 pistols and 2 rifles. A Harley Davidson motorcycle, a vehicle and $7,900 dollars in cash was seized for possible asset forfeiture. On 06-12-2013 at 0900 hours, other officers served a search warrant at two storage units off Airport Road, Fortuna that Diller was renting. Officers seized over 800 growing marijuana plants from inside of those two storage units that ranged in size from 2 feet to 3 feet. No one was located at the storage units.

On 06-12-2013 at 5:00 pm, a search warrant was served on a piece of property that Diller owns in the Freshwater area. Officers seized two motorcycles, a Polaris- Ranger ATV and a utility trailer for possible asset forfeiture. A local arrest warrant will be sought through the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Officer for Diller’s arrest for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana.

There are other suspects still associated with this investigation out of the indictments from Salt Lake City, Utah. More arrests are anticipated in the County of Humboldt. The United States Attorney’s Office in Salt Lake City, Utah is working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office in San Francisco with the Federal indictments out of Utah.

Anyone with information on this case or related drug activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-444-8095 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Two weeks after the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to revise the Principles which guide the County General Plan Update (GPU), a large negative reaction built and opposition to the decision was evident once again at the GPU meeting this Mon., June 18. 2013. Opposition to the revisions were related both to their content and to the process used to adopt them, which limited public input to the same meeting in which they were adopted. As a result of the public outcry the Sups. decided to revisit the Guiding Principles and to give the public advanced notice when that would be done. More can be heard on this development using the player below.

This report was submitted by KMUD News Correspondent Daniel Mintz and was aired on the KMUD Local News Tues., June 18, 2013

Chapter 1 of the Humboldt County General Plan Update (GPU) includes a section called Guiding Principles which are meant to: "provide a statement of community values and the overall objectives of the General Plan." On Monday, June 3, 2013, using a "straw vote", the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors tentatively approved a revision of those principles. The revision was drafted by Supervisors Fennell and Bohn. The vote to adopt, with two minor changes, carried by a 4 to 1 vote, with Supervisor Lovelace as the dissenting vote. The biggest changes occur in Principles #4 and #6 as shown below.

In the Fennell/Bohn revision of #4, the concept of focused development in areas already having preexisting infrastructure was omitted as was the statement, "...discourage low-density residential conversion of resource lands and open space."

Planning Commission Version4. Ensure efficient use of water and sewer services and focus development in those areas and discourage low-density residential conversion of resource lands and open space.

Fennell/Bohn Revision4. Cooperate with service providers in delivering efficient water and sewer services and infrastructure and support scientifically proven alternative waste management systems in areas not served by public sewer.

In the Fennell/Bohn revision of #6, the statement, "...protect agriculture and timberland over the long term" was omitted as was, "...using measures such as increased restrictions on resource land subdivisions and patent parcel development."

Planning Commission Version6. Protect agriculture and timberland over the long term, using measures such as increased restrictions on resource land subdivisions and patent parcel development.

Guiding Principles as they appear in the Planning Commission Approved Draft GPU:

1. Ensure that public policy is reflective of the needs of the citizenry as expressed by the citizens themselves.2. Preserve and enhance the character of Humboldt County and the quality of life it offers.3. Provide sufficient developable land, encourage development of affordable housing for all income levels, and prevent housing scarcity under a range of population growth scenarios.4. Ensure efficient use of water and sewer services and focus development in those areas and discourage low-density residential conversion of resource lands and open space.5. Support the County’s economic development strategy and work to retain and create living-wage job opportunities.6. Protect agriculture and timberland over the long term, using measures such as increased restrictions on resource land subdivisions and patent parcel development.7. Protect natural resources, especially open space, water resources, water quality, scenic beauty, and salmonid habitat.8. Include actionable plans for infrastructure financing and construction.9. Adhere to a practical strategy that can be implemented.10. Provide a clear statement of land use values and policies to provide clarity in the County’s permit processing system and simplify review of projects that are consistent with the General Plan.11. Maximize the opportunities to educate the public about the planning process, in order to have meaningful participation in the development and maintenance of the Plan.12. Support a broad public participation program at all levels of the decision making process; including study, workshops, hearings, and plan revisions.

The Garberville “Rodeo in the Redwoods”, 2013, kicks off Friday night, June 14, with a Bull-O-Rama at the Greycliff Rodeo Grounds, just South of Garberville in Benbow, Calif. The festivities begin again Saturday morning in Garberville with a pancake breakfast and Rodeo Parade where the Rodeo Queen and Princess will get crowned. After the parade in Garberville, kid’s games and the Junior Rodeo begin at the Greycliff Rodeo Grounds in Benbow, followed by a BBQ steak dinner. After dinner the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CCPRA) will take place. Sunday will feature the Gymkhana, sponsored by the Mounted Mountaineer’s. For more information call (707) 223-1046. The photo above shows the Greycliff Rodeo Grounds in Benbow. Hear more about the rodeo and its history, including an interview with Ona Lee Gerdis, an owner of the Greycliff Rodeo Grounds.

This report was submitted by Maria Savage and aired on the KMUD Local News Tues., June 11, 2013.

Use the player below to hear a news story submitted and aired by KMUD News Director Terri Klemetson on the Local News Tues., June 4, 2013. The piece incudes interviews with the Rodeo Queen and Princess Candidates.

Both sides have filed objections to Judge Dale Reinholtsen's June 7, 2013 decision on how the Williamson Act violations in the "Tooby Ranch Case" should be remedied.

According to KMUD News Correspondent Daniel Mintz, Humboldt County is asking that its court costs be reimbursed because the county prevailed in the Reinholtsen ruling. The county's attorney fees, which are more than 3 million dollars, are not subject to being reimbursed by the defendants. The county has also made a claim for additional property tax revenue from the defendants, and for additional penalty fines.

The defendants, Buck Mountain Ranch Limited Partnership, Robert McKee and Valery McKee, filings included an objection to the Reinholtsen ruling that the state's unfair competition law was violated, arguing instead that defendants operated in good faith and that there was a lack of notice by the county in stating their concerns. Other defendant objections refer to the processes that have affected the Tooby Ranch Williamson Act contract. Several other defendants' objections were raised and a proposal was made for consideration of additional remedies. More details can be heard using the player below.

The audio below is from a report submitted by Daniel Mintz and aired by Terri Klemetson on the KMUD Local News, Mon., July 1, 2013.

In a long-awaited court ruling, filed Friday, June 7, 2013 by Humboldt County, Judge Dale Reinholtsen, Southern Humboldt developer Bob McKee has been ordered to pay $200,000 in fines to Humboldt County. In the costly 11- year lawsuit the county maintained that the defendants, Buck Mountain Ranch Limited Partnership, Robert McKee and Valery McKee, violated the Williamson Act in their development of the Tooby Ranch near Garberville, purchased by McKee, et. al. The ruling is not final. Both parties have 20 days to file objections with the court. Hear more details about this ruling using the player below. For copies of the ruling and its accompanying court order documents see the links below.

The photo above, from the Redwood Times, shows Bob McKee addressing the Rotary club in Garberville.

The audio in the player below was submitted by KMUD News Correspondent Daniel Mintz and aired on the KMUD Local News Wed., June 12, 2013.

According to a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, on Tues. morning, June 11, 2013, a Deputy was fired on by a suspect during an investigation of an illegal marijuana grow, located in the 20000 block of Tomki Road in Willits, California. The Deputy Sheriff shot back at the suspect who then escaped into the heavily wooded surroundings. Several hours of searching did not locate the suspect, and the search was suspended due to safety concerns - read more details in the MCSO press release below.

MCSO Press Release:On 06-11-2013 at 0836 hours Special Agents from the Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force (MMCTF) arrived at a piece of property located in the 20000 block of Tomki Road in Willits, California. The MMCTF Special Agents had recently obtained a search warrant based upon an investigation that showed an illegal marijuana growing operation was in existence on the property. The Special Agents were assisted in the search warrant service by members of the County of Mendocino Marijuana Eradication Team, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, California Highway Patrol Aviation Division and Mendocino County Probation Department.

Upon arrival a MMCTF Special Agent (Mendocino County Deputy Sheriff), a California Department of Fish & Wildlife Warden and a Mendocino County Probation Officer encountered a suspect, described as being a Hispanic adult male dressed in camouflage clothing. The suspect fled on foot into the property's heavily wooded terrain and failed to comply with verbal commands to surrender. The three listed law enforcement personnel began a search for the suspect who appeared to be unarmed. During the search the suspect emerged from an area of bush approximately 30-40 yards from the Deputy Sheriff. The suspect was armed with a handgun and immediately shot at the Deputy Sheriff, possibly multiple times. The Deputy Sheriff shot back at the suspect who then fled off into the heavily wooded terrain once again. Additional law enforcement resources were summoned to the property as a more intensive search was conducted for the suspect.

The law enforcement resources included personnel from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Fish & Wildlife and Cal Fire prevention officers. After several hours of searching the suspect was not located and the search was suspended due to safety concerns. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office in collaboration with the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office is conducting an investigation into the shooting incident per county-wide protocol.

The Deputy Sheriff has been placed on paid administrative at this time.

Two robberies and one grand theft in Eureka are believed have been committed by the same suspect, and the Eureka Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the man. In one incident the suspect was seen leaving the scene in a small 4- door red Nissan. The suspect is described as a a white male, about 6’ tall, medium build with short brown hair - see the photo above and the video and more information from the press release below.

Anyone with information about these crimes, the suspect, the suspect vehicle or the location of the stolen property, please contact Detective Harpham at 707-441-4305.

Summary from the Eureka Police Department press release:On Thursday, 4-18-13, at about 2100 hours, a suspect took 3 37” Westinghouse LED TV’s out through the emergency exit of Target in Eureka. The suspect fled in a small 4- door red Nissan with the license plate purposely concealed. The suspect was described as a white male, about 6’ tall, medium build, with brown hair. No force or threats were used by the suspect.

On Friday, 4-26-13, at about 2040 hours, a suspect entered Hana Restaurant at 2120 4th Street, ripped the cash register drawer from the register and attempted to flee the store. An employee interrupted the theft. The suspect was a white male, about 6’ tall, medium build with short brown hair. He wore large black sunglasses to partially block his face and he wore gloves. The suspect fled in a red 90’s model hatchback with the license plate purposely concealed. The suspect pushed and punched an employee in attempt to complete the theft. This use of force to complete the theft, turned the theft incident into a robbery.

On Saturday, 5-11-13, at about 2130 hours, a male subject entered Subway sandwich shop at 1906 4th Street, ripped the cash register drawer from the register and fled the store. The suspect was described as a white male, about 6’2”tall, with brown/gray hair wearing an orange and green camouflage mask. The suspect fled on foot. No vehicle was seen. The suspect threatened to stab the employee if he tried to stop him from leaving with the cash register drawer. The use of threats turned the theft into a robbery.

The Eureka Police Department believes the three incidents were committed by the same suspect and request anyone with information in regards to the suspect, suspect vehicle or the location of the stolen property, to contact Detective Harpham at the 707-441-4305.

The Video below shows the crime as it's being committed at Target in Eureka-thanks Lost Coast Outpost and You Tube.

Disaster and emergency reporting are key components of KMUD Newsroom production as well as part of the overall mission of the station. Several years ago the News Department organized an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to assist news staff in reporting during emergency events such as fire, major landslides, floods and earthquakes. We are now in progress of expanding this service. The ERT includes people who are able to send photos and audio clips to the newsroom, others who can travel to KMUD at a moment's notice to help during a major emergency, and people who produce stories for the Local News. In response to a scary fire season projected by CAL FIRE, KMUD News has prepared a series of classes that can serve as training for people newly interested in helping with this effort or as a review for previous ERT members. Anyone who wants to work with KMUD News is invited to the upcoming trainings.

Classes focusing on the Emergency Response Team training will be held this June and July at the KMUD studio at 1144 Redway Drive, Redway. Classes start promptly at 1 pm and run until 3 pm, with more free-form conversation after the class for people who want to collaborate further.

Please RSVP for all classes, so plans can be made for the needed seating. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Class Schedule:

June 9: Writing for Radio -Emergency Response focused skill-building, using disaster scenarios

A woman reported yesterday (Mon., June 3, 2013) to Humboldt County Sheriffs that she had been sexually assaulted as she was walking down the Avenue of the Giants heading toward Weott.The suspects in the incident are believed to be driving a Light Blue older Ford Van, possibly late 1970’s or early 1980’s no side windows in the rear cargo area. Only the front seats and back doors had windows.

On 06-3-2013, approximately 8:30 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a local hospital emergency room nurse who reported a 33 year female was at the hospital who was being treated for a sexual assault. A deputy responded to the hospital and met with the victim. She reported she was walking on US 101 near Rio Dell early today, when she got a ride from an unknown Asian female who dropped her off near the Pepperwood exit, Holmes Flat area. After being dropped off she walked down to the Eel River and went for a swim. During her swim, she lost her pants in the rapids. She walked back to Avenue of the Giants and began walking south again towards her mother’s residence in Weott, however she was not wearing pants, only underwear, a bra and t-shirt. She walked for about ten minutes when she encountered three males in a light blue Ford van in a turn out. She asked the males for a ride, and they agreed to give her a ride.

After evaluating the males further, she decided to decline the ride because she did not feel comfortable with the males. The three males then drove off in the van. She then continued walking south on Avenue of the Giants. Further down the road as she was walking, the three males suddenly exited the brush and all three sexually assaulted her. During the assault she struck one of the males in the face with a tree branch she found causing injury to the males face. The victim believes she may have broken the male’s nose or knocked out some of his teeth. After the assault the victim ran to a nearby residence for help, and the residents gave her a ride to the hospital.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Update: Wed., July 3, 2013-Family of missing Erik Lamberg makes another plea for public's help; interview with Lamberg's wife included

The family of 51 year-old Erik Lamberg (shown in the photo above) notified the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office last May that Lamberg was missing and was last heard from after his car had broke down in the Laytonville area. Subsequently, Deputies located Lamberg's abandoned vehicle approximately 20 miles west of Willits on Sherwood Road, but Erik Lamberg is still missing.

Lamberg is described as being 51 years old, 6'05" tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, having "sandy" blond hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what clothing he had on when he went missing. The family related that Erik may be experiencing mental health issues but has shown no violent tendencies in the past.The Sheriff's Office is requesting anyone who has information or who might have seen Erik to contact the Sheriff's Dispatch Center at (707)463-4086.

The player below features a newspiece updating this story, including an interview with Erik Lamberg's wife, Samantha Lamberg. This piece was aired on the KMUD Local News on Wed., July 3, 2013 by KMUD News Director Terri Klemetson.

Erik Lamberg, 51 years old, was reported missing by his family who last had phone contact with him on May 26, 2013 around 11:30 PM. Lamberg is described as: 6'5" tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, having "sandy" blond hair and blue eyes. On June 1, 2013 the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office located Lamberg's abandoned vehicle approximately 20 miles west of Willits on Sherwood Road. See a photo of Erik Lamberg and the press release from the MCSO below.

Press Release from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office regarding missing person, Erik Lamberg :On May 29, 2013 around 9:31 PM the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office received a call from a family member of Erik Lamberg. The family member stated Erik was experiencing difficulties with his vehicle when she last spoke to him on May 26, 2013 around 11:30 PM. At that time Erik had his vehicle, a silver 2004 Honda Odyssey, towed to Laytonville when it broke down in Leggett. He had the vehicle repaired and stayed two nights at a local hotel in Laytonville at which time he phoned his family and said he was "fine". The family has not seen or heard from Erik since. A missing persons case was taken and a "be on the lookout" (BOLO) issued to all northern California law enforcement agencies. Deputies later confirmed Erik's vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic and he had stayed in the motel for two nights, but had checked out on May 28, 2013.

On June 1, 2013 the Sheriff's Office received a report of an abandoned vehicle approximately 20 miles west of Willits on Sherwood Road. Deputies responded and located Erik's vehicle. It appeared the vehicle had gotten stuck in a ditch in the road and was abandoned. Search efforts around the vehicle were conducted but Erik was not located. The vehicle was towed to clear the road.

The missing person is described as being 51 years old, 6'05" tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, having "sandy" blond hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what clothing he had on when he went missing. The family related that Erik may be experiencing mental health issues but has shown no violent tendencies in the past.The Sheriff's Office is requesting anyone who has information or who might have seen Erik to contact the Sheriff's Dispatch Center at (707)463-4086.

The photo below shows missing person, Erik Lamberg.

Second missing man- Sean Sidi

Sean Sidi, a 19 year-old male from San Francisco, was reported missing on May 21, 2013. Sidi is considered "at risk" because he has been recovering from a head truama as a result of a fall. When last seen Sidi was wearing a black-and-gray North Face-brand jacket, blue jeans and black canvas shoes. He is 5-foot-5 and 120 pounds, with dark hair and brown eyes - see photo above. There is reason to suspect that Sidi might be headed to Mendocino or Humboldt County.

If you have any information about Sean Sidi please contact his mother, Lin Ching, at (415) 713-5913 or Inspector Anne MacKenzie at (415) 734-3268. See additional information at: www.seansidi.com/

Hear more on both of these missing persons cases in a report aired by KMUD News Director Terri Klemetson on the KMUD Local News Monday, June 3, 2013.

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